> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fabricplan.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fabricplan.com/get-started/create-and-share-a-cloud-connection-for-a-semantic-model.md).

# Create and share a cloud connection for a semantic model

This article explains how to connect to a semantic model from a plan item. This step is required to work with your semantic model data in a planning sheet.

To connect a plan to a semantic model, a workspace admin or member must create a shareable cloud connection. Other users can use this connection to access the semantic model. The following steps describe how to create and share the connection.

### Prerequisites

Before you can create the semantic model connection, make sure that you have:

* Data in a [Power BI semantic model](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/data-warehouse/semantic-models).

### Create a semantic model connection

Use this connection to connect to your semantic models when you create a plan. A workplace admin or member who has access to the semantic model must complete the following steps.

1. On your Microsoft Fabric toolbar, select the **Settings** icon. Select **Manage connections and gateways** > **New**.

<figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2FvHY7rVQnbTv5FezxSM3U%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=aaee4281-93b7-40d4-8da5-329de332e275" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. For the new connection, select **Cloud**.
3. Enter a connection name.
4. For **Connection type**, select **Power BI Semantic Model**.
5. Select an **Authentication method**.

   * **OAuth 2.0**: Select **Edit credentials**, then sign in with your Microsoft account.
   * **Service principal**: Enter the **Tenant ID**, **Service Principal ID**, and **Service Principal Key**. For service principal-based authentication, enable [Service principals can call Fabric public APIs](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/admin/service-admin-portal-developer#service-principals-can-call-fabric-public-apis) under **Developer settings** in the admin portal.

   <figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2FpWoN2koPSdyC9XAyWZb7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4a0d149d-a770-421a-b7ec-1cd899af4e8d" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
6. Select **Create**.

<figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2FQ6q7xegehWhx4lj0kWvU%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=dd003f17-bddd-4211-802e-0199e3767440" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Share the semantic model connection

1. Next to the name of the semantic model connection in your Fabric workspace, select **...**, and then select **Manage users**.

<figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2F3iW2bJMEejD370xhF37v%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=e6a4c27e-2edb-45f9-b618-4d1148366575" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Search for the name or email of the users to share the semantic model connection.
3. Set the access permission to one of the following options: **User**, **User with resharing**, or **Owner**.
4. Select **Share** to share the connection.

<figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2FsKzLcN4qyfgJc6RdkdK6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=1bbb0ce4-dff4-47ee-8d66-36fe00d38525" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Other users can now use this shared connection to connect to the semantic model.

### Connection types supported in a planning sheet

Planning supports the following connection types.

<table><thead><tr><th width="156.54547119140625">Connection type</th><th>Support status</th><th>Requirements</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Import mode</td><td>Supported fully</td><td>None.</td></tr><tr><td>Direct Lake</td><td>Supported with limitations</td><td>Gateway must use fixed credentials. Single sign-on (SSO) isn't supported at this time.</td></tr><tr><td>DirectQuery</td><td>Supported with limitations</td><td>Gateway must use fixed credentials. SSO isn't supported at this time.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Connect to a Direct Lake semantic model

If you use a **Direct Lake semantic model**, follow these additional steps to make the Direct Lake semantic model compatible with planning. An *Admin* or *Member* user can perform these steps.

1. Next to the name of the semantic model in your Fabric workspace, select **...** > **Settings** > **Gateway and cloud connections**.

<figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2FPJRjq94peCD22k8nO7o9%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=fb0e30ff-5b9a-44a6-af73-2c99026f37cc" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. By default, the connection is set to SSO. You can create and use a new connection.
3. From the connection list, select **Create a connection**.

<figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2FrNMhSrxIyqFe8e0JVt56%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=07d5a47b-42b9-4963-b0db-ed21a54acb8d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Enter the new connection name.
5. Select an **Authentication method**:

   * **OAuth 2.0**: Select **Edit credentials**, then sign in with your Microsoft account.
   * **Service principal**: Enter the **Tenant ID**, **Service Principal ID**, and **Service Principal Key**. For service principal-based authentication, enable [Service principals can call Fabric public APIs](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/admin/service-admin-portal-developer#service-principals-can-call-fabric-public-apis) under **Developer settings** in the admin portal.

   <figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2FpWoN2koPSdyC9XAyWZb7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=4a0d149d-a770-421a-b7ec-1cd899af4e8d" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
6. Select **Create**.

<figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2F8vEPGMFk0mfkI6tEqIf8%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=e3475d2d-3a08-43d9-a25d-86d12678dcba" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

7. Select the newly created Direct Lake semantic model connection from the list, and then select **Apply**.

<figure><img src="https://257222532-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FUtolck8kt8atqxFPsEBn%2Fuploads%2FhowMYv6mxiYieZ2TAn9O%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a916d7f3-fcae-4197-a43b-3b4129196b00" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

### Note

In the following step, when you [create plan](/get-started/creating-a-planning-sheet.md), you need a **Power BI Semantic Model** connection to connect the plan to a semantic model. Use the connection you created in this section: [Create a semantic model connection](#create-a-semantic-model-connection).
{% endhint %}

### Recommended configuration for Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) <a href="#recommended-configuration-for-continuous-integration-and-continuous-deployment-cicd" id="recommended-configuration-for-continuous-integration-and-continuous-deployment-cicd"></a>

For optimal Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD), consider the following recommendations:

* Create the semantic model connection using **Service Principal** authentication.
* Grant the service principal the required access across all environments. This access allows the same semantic model connection to be reused across environments during deployment, simplifying CI/CD workflows.

{% hint style="info" %}

### Note

For service principal-based authentication, enable [Service principals can call Fabric public APIs](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/admin/service-admin-portal-developer#service-principals-can-call-fabric-public-apis) under **Developer settings** in the admin portal.
{% endhint %}

### Related content <a href="#related-content" id="related-content"></a>

* Now that you created your semantic model connection, you can create a planning sheet that uses this connection. See [Create a planning sheet](/get-started/creating-a-planning-sheet.md).
* [Prerequisites for planning in Fabric](/get-started/prerequisites-for-fabric-planning.md).
* [Troubleshoot semantic model connections in planning](/resources/troubleshoot.md).


---

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